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Archaeotourism and its Attractiveness in the Context of Heritage Tourism in Malaysia
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DOI: 10.6007/IJARBSS/v7-i4/2923
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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
2017, Vol. 7, No. 4
ISSN: 2222-6990
Archaeotourism and its Attractiveness in the Context of
Heritage Tourism in Malaysia
Adnan Jusoh1*, Yunus Sauman @ Sabin1, Nasir Nayan2
& Zuliskandar Ramli3
1Department
of History, Faculty of Human Sciences,
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 39500 Tanjung Malim, Perak, MALAYSIA
2Department
of Geography & Environment, Faculty of Human Sciences,
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 39500 Tanjung Malim, Perak, MALAYSIA
3Institute
DOI:
of the Malay World and Civilisation (ATMA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,
43600 Bangi, Selangor, MALAYSIA
E-mail: adnan.jusoh@fsk.upsi.edu.my
10.6007/IJARBSS/v7-i4/2923 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v7-i4/2923
Abstract
This article discusses the growth of archaeotourism in Malaysia. Archaeotourism is part of
heritage tourism which is one of the growing tourism sectors in Malaysia. In terms of its
significance, this sector is increasingly rapidly and, in fact, has recently been contributing
towards the national income. Unlike in Western countries and in Japan, Korea, or Turkey,
archaeotourism in Malaysia is rather behind in this sector. As a matter of fact, Malaysia has a
very rich in heritage, particularly archaeological sites, monuments, and historic buildings in
addition to its unique nature. Therefore, in the 9th Malaysian Plan (RMKe-9) and the 10th
Malaysian Plan (RMKe-10), the Malaysian government made various efforts to improve
facilities, particularly infrastructure, in order to attract a bigger number of tourists to visit the
heritage sites. Aspects such as the definition, the scope, and the concept of archaeotourism are
discussed and explained in this conceptual paper. Using qualitative methods, field observations,
and interviews with several relevant respondents, this study tried to get feedback on the
prospects, issues, and constraints that are affecting the development of archaeotourism. The
study found that, although there are many heritage sites in Malaysia that are still not optimally
developed, it was discovered that the archaeotourism sector has a high growth potential. In
particular, the government has focused on providing various facilities in the vicinity of the
heritage sites to attract tourists. This is because the archaeological sector is seen to be able to
provide job opportunities to the local community and simultaneously to improve standards of
living.
Keywords:
Archaeology, heritage site, National Heritage Act 2005, heritage tourism,
archeotourism
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Introduction
Tourism is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world. This phenomenon also has
an impact on the countries situated in Southeast Asia including Malaysia. Although Malaysia is
relatively new to the field of tourism at the international level, the latest trend shows that it has
a potential to develop like other countries in Southeast Asia. In fact, Malaysia has been ranked
in the top 10 countries based on the number of tourists and in the top 15 countries based on
the tourism revenue (Economic Transformation Programme: A Roadmap for Malaysia, Chapter
10).
In reality, tourism is progressing along with several other sectors that are also closely
connected, such as transportation, accommodation, attractions, or unique locations and food
services. In addition, a famous tourist site is usually very likely to stimulate economic growth
and to benefit the surrounding community. The measure of success of the tourism sector will
be reflected through an increase in income or a change in the community's standard of living.
Background
In Malaysia, all matters related to the Malaysian tourism programme are placed under the
jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia. All matters related to the
preservation and conservation of heritage sites are managed by the Department of National
Heritage, which is also under the same ministry. The formulation of the National Heritage Act
2005 was an initiative to ensure that national heritage continues to be dignified and sustained.
For instance, in order to determine that a certain site or object is categorised as a ‘heritage’ or
‘national heritage’ site, specific guidelines and criteria have been specified. In short, the
formulation of the National Heritage Act 2005 was a stepping stone in the efforts of the
authorities to promote heritage treasures in this country.
Before 2015, the National Heritage Department had gazetted a number of heritage sites
which included archaeological sites, monuments, and historic buildings in the country. Out of all
these, 8 archaeological sites were gazetted as “heritage” under the National Heritage Act 2005,
namely Bukit Bunuh (Perak), Gua Tambun (Perak), Kota Tampan (Perak), Gua Teluk Kelawar
(Perak), Pulau Kalumpang (Perak), Gua Harimau (Perak), Tapak Megalitik Pengkalan Kempas (N.
Sembilan), and Kota Johor Lama (Johor) (Adnan, J., 2016). While a total of three sites have been
designated as “national heritage” from 2011 to 2015, namely Sungai Batu archaeological site
(Perak), Gua Gunung Runtuh Lenggong, and Bukit Jawa archaeological site, Lenggong (Perak).
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Table 1. List of Heritage Sites (Archaeological) in Malaysia
Category
Archaeological
site
Heritage
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Bukit Bunuh (Perak)
Gua Tambun (Perak)
Kota Tampan (Perak)
Gua Teluk Kelawar (Perak)
Pulau Kalumpang (Perak)
Gua Harimau (Perak)
Megalitik Pengkalan Kempas (Negeri
Sembilan)
Kota Johor Lama (Johor)
National Heritage
1.
2.
3.
Tapak Arkeologi Sungai Batu (Kedah)
Gua Gunung Runtuh (Perak)
Tapak Arkeologi Bukit Jawa (Perak)
Meanwhile, about 52 monuments and historic buildings (including a number of colonial
buildings, ruins of cities or forts, palaces, mosques, churches, temples, and prisons) have been
gazetted under the National Heritage Act (Adnan, J., 2016). A total of 34 monuments and
historic building sites have been gazetted under “heritage” category, while 18 historic building
sites have been designated as “national heritage” from 2011 to 2015 (50 National Heritages,
National Heritage Department). So far, one of the biggest successes of the country in relation to
the preservation and conservation of heritage is the recognition of Malacca and George Town
as world heritage sites at the 32nd meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in
Quebec, Canada on July 7, 2008. The impact of this recognition will definitely boost the
country's position as one of the potential destinations to be visited by tourists from around the
world. This development will indirectly provide an opportunity for local residents to generate
income through the various forms of economic opportunities provided.
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Table 2. List of Heritage Sites (Monuments and Historical Buildings) in Malaysia
Category
Heritage
National Heritage
Monument
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Menara Condong Teluk Intan (Perak)
Tugu Negara (Kuala Lumpur)
Bastion Middelburg, Kota Melaka (Melaka)
Kota Santiago (Melaka)
Runtuhan Gereja St. Paul (Melaka)
1.
2.
Historical
Building
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
15.
16.
17.
MCKK (Perak)
Penjara Taiping (Perak)
Bangunan Pejabat Daerah dan Tanah Larut,
Matang dan Selama (Perak)
Bangunan Bekas Jabatan Kerja Raya Selangor
(Selangor)
Bangunan Canselori UM (Kuala Lumpur)
Bangunan Carcosa (Kuala Lumpur)
Bangunan Jabatan Penerangan (Kuala Lumpur)
Bangunan Mahkamah Tinggi (Kuala Lumpur)
Bangunan Pejabat Pengawal Pos Wilayah
Persekutuan (Kuala Lumpur)
Bangunan Pejabat Ugama Islam Wilayah
Persekutuan (Kuala Lumpur)
Bangunan Residensi (Kuala Lumpur)
Bangunan Sekolah Menengah St. John (Kuala
Lumpur)
Bangunan Stesyen Keretapi (Kuala Lumpur)
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Victoria (Kuala
Lumpur)
Muzium Negara (Kuala Lumpur)
Bangunan Sultan Suleiman (Selangor)
Bangunan Stadhuys (Melaka)
Palace
1.
2.
3.
Istana Jahar (Kelantan)
Istana Kenangan (Perak)
Istana Sri Menanti (Negeri Sembilan)
1.
Istana Negara (Kuala Lumpur)
Synagogue
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gereja All Saint (Perak)
Masjid Ubudiah (Perak)
Masjid Jamek (Kuala Lumpur)
Gereja St. Mary (Kuala Lumpur)
Kuil Sri Subramaniar Swamy (Selangor)
Masjid Diraja Sultan Suleiman (Selangor)
Masjid Alauddin (Selangor)
Kuil Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthy (Melaka)
Masjid Hiliran (Terengganu)
1.
2.
Gereja St. George (Pulau Pinang)
Masjid Negara dan Makam Pahlawan (Kuala
Lumpur)
Gereja Christ (Melaka)
Masjid Kampong Hulu (Melaka)
Masjid Kampung Keling (Melaka)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Stadium Merdeka (Kuala Lumpur)
Tapak Tiang Bendera Malaya (Kuala Lumpur)
Bangunan Suloh Budiman UPSI (Perak)
Muzium Perak (Perak)
Bangunan Dewan Bandaraya (Kuala Lumpur)
Bangunan Ibu Pejabat Keretapi (Kuala
Lumpur)
5. Bangunan Parlimen (Kuala Lumpur)
6. Bangunan Pejabat Pos Besar (Kuala Lumpur)
7. Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad (Kuala
Lumpur)
8. Dewan Perhimpunan Cina KL (Kuala Lumpur)
9. Institut Penyelidikan Getah Malaysia (Kuala
Lumpur)
10. Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia
(FRIM) (Selangor)
3.
4.
5.
So far, the development of the tourism industry continues to gain the attention of the
Malaysian government. Every year the government allocates a large amount of its development
budget in order to develop the tourism industry in Malaysia. This is because consistent visits
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from tourists will contribute to the national income. For example, in 2006 alone, 17.55 million
foreign tourists visited Malaysia and generated an income of more than RM36,271,000.00. In
2007 the number of foreign tourists increased to 20.97 million (Mohamad Zaki, et al., 2008).
The increase in the number of tourist arrivals to Malaysia indirectly reflects the increase in the
national income. Now, the tourism industry generates economic growth and is a major
contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2008, Malaysia recorded 22,052,488
tourist arrivals, an increase of 5.1% compared with 20,972,822 in 2007 (Er Ah Choy, 2013).
There is evidence that, since the 8th Malaysia Plan (2001–2005), efforts to preserve
cultural and heritage sites have been given more attention. More than 60 monuments and 25
historic sites have been upgraded as tourist attractions. This policy was continued in the 9th
Malaysia Plan (2006–2010) when heritage tourism was recognised as an important agenda
item. In this context “the conservation of historic sites, buildings, and artefacts will continue to
be the step to preserve the country's historical heritage and increase the number of tourist
attractions” (Mohamad Zaki, et al., 2008).
Tourism and Heritage
The term tourism is quite wide and it can be viewed from various perspectives. According to the
World Tourism Organisation (WTO), tourism means ‘adventure activities of an individual to a
place outside his original environment and staying for not more than one year for the purpose
of leisure, business and so on’. Meanwhile, according to Leiper (1981), tourism is ‘an open
system that has a wide relationship with the environment, a people element which is tourists, a
surrounding element which is the generating area, transit and chosen destination, an economic
element which is the tourism industry, and a dynamic element which consists of an individual
who travels for leisure far from the place of residence for at least a day’. Whereas, according to
Zeppelin and Hall (1981), tourism refers to the activities of visiting, vacationing, or travelling to
some other place that is more than 50 miles from the place of residence for not more than one
year for the purpose of recreation or leisure.
Heritage is also a term that is closely related to the concept of inheritance. UNESCO
interprets heritage as a property that is movable and immovable that is significant to each
individual. This includes monuments, art, history (whether of religious or archaeological sites),
groups of historic buildings that have a history, and unique sculptures, works of art,
manuscripts, books, objects of art, and scientific collections (UNESCO, 1954). Meanwhile, in the
Charter for the Preservation of Quebec's Heritage Conference, heritage is defined as a
combination of invention and natural products with humans that makes up the living
environment (ICOMOS, 1982). According to the National Heritage Act 2005, heritage is
something received as a legacy by a person or group of people from the previous generation
(National Heritage Act, 2005). In short, heritage is the legacy of former times handed down
from generation to generation. It includes customs, cultural, regional, archival material or
elements that have aesthetic, archaeological, architectural, cultural, historical, scientific, social,
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spiritual, linguistic, or technological values. In other words, heritage is described as the memory
of the entire life of a nation and thus it represents its intellectual achievements and civilisation.
Meanwhile, in terms of definition, heritage tourism is based on the attractions of the
historical landscape and the natural attractions of the tourism area. It is the activity of visiting
the historical heritage sites of a country. Typically, it involves archaeological remains, historic
buildings which are historically connected with the place, individuals who became the pride of
the community, or natural attractions. For instance, some world renowned heritage sites, such
as the Pyramids (Egypt), Machu Picchu (Peru), Petra (Jordan), and others have become tourism
locations that welcome millions of visitors each year (Chris, 1999). The practice of conservation
and preservation of heritage buildings in several European cities has successfully drawn large
numbers of visitors each year. For instance, historic buildings are functionally converted into
museums, art galleries, restaurants, or tourism centres. This phenomenon has become the
norm in several European countries such as England, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Historic
cities such as York, Bath, Oxford, and Cambridge in England; Paris in France; Venice, Pisa, and
Florence in Italy; and Amsterdam in the Netherlands have managed to preserve and protect
most of their old buildings and monuments (A Ghafar, A. 1994). In short, history and heritagebased tourism has a high development potential as it will add value to the economy and it will
involve the local community.
Archaeotourism
Archaeotourism is a combination of two words; archaeology and tourism (archaeo-tourism). It
is closely related to tourism destinations in locations based on archaeological heritage sites,
monuments, and historic buildings. In order for archaeotourism to work, there has to be
conservation and preservation. Archaeological heritage sites, monuments, and historic
buildings needs to be developed to make tourism destinations attractive. In reality,
archaeotourism is an effort to attract tourists to visit archaeological sites. From the visit, not
only do the tourists get information about the site but they also enjoy the satisfaction of their
appreciation of the heritage of a country. Basically, the concept of archaeotourism focuses
more on tourism development activities in the surrounding area of the national or local
heritage sites.
In general, there are two goals that can be achieved through the archaeotourism
concept, namely;
a) Improving the infrastructure in the vicinity of heritage sites
b) Cultivating the creativity of the local community to improve their economy.
Archaeotourism has a connection with heritage tourism. However, the scope of heritage
tourism is actually even broader as it also includes other aspects such as socio-cultural
elements and the belief system of a certain location. Therefore, the emphasis in this article is
on the location of archaeological or historical site. In that regard, there are several views from
scholars on the definition of heritage tourism.
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Table 3. Terms and Definitions
No.
Researcher
Term and definition
1.
Razak (2006)
As a form of tourism to see all the heritage treasures that have been inherited
from the previous generations such as history, culture, art, nature, artefacts
and others.
2.
Poria et al. (2001)
Heritage tourism as part of tourism, based on the historical attractions found in
that tourism area.
3.
Hall and Arthur (1998)
Heritage is formed by the elements of the past that a community wishes to
maintain. However, not all heritage is considered as heritage tourism products,
only certain heritage sites which are selected and considered valuable by
society.
4.
Swarbrooke (1994)
Heritage itself is the key pillar of the products offered and heritage is the main
motivating factor (booster) for visitors or tourists to visit.
5.
Dallen & Stephen (2003)
Heritage tourism is part of tourism, in which the main motivation for tourists to
visit a heritage site is the character of the heritage site.
Based on the above table, it is clear that archaeotourism is an economic activity that is
closely related to heritage tourism. The goal is not only for the purpose of creating
understanding between culture and environment and ecosystem conservation, but it is an
attempt to allow involvement of the local community in ‘socio-economic activities with positive
impacts’.
Archaeotourism in Malaysia
Despite having a number of archaeological and historical heritage sites, the development of the
archaeotourism sector in Malaysia is relatively slow compared to European countries, the USA,
Japan, Turkey, and Korea. The heritage assets in those countries have been developed
comprehensively and the potential has been exploited optimally. Therefore, the tourism sector
has been one of the increasingly important sources of national income.
In this matter, Malaysia is actually very fortunate to possess a lot heritage in the form of
archaeological sites, monuments, and historic buildings that are interesting and have the
potential to be developed. This is because our country's unique geographical and historical
background has provided an interesting archaeotourism landscape and has the potential to be
developed. Archaeological sites, monuments, and historic buildings in Malaysia are scattered
everywhere whether in the Peninsular or in Sabah and Sarawak. This does not include several
other heritage sites located on the coast of the Peninsular or Sabah and Sarawak.
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However, in reality, not all archaeological sites and historic sites in the country can be
developed. Apart from not meeting the criteria outlined, most of these heritage sites are
inaccessible by road, especially due to topographic factors. The locations of the sites are also
separated by the long distance between them and the cost of developing suitable infrastructure
is very high. However, there are a number of archaeological sites and historic sites in Malaysia
that have great potential and can be highlighted as tourist locations. Here are examples of
heritage sites suitable for development as the locations to be prioritised by the government:
Table 4. Heritage Sites and Criteria
No.
1.
2.
3.
Location
Criteria
Bujang Valley, Kedah.
(Evans, I. H.N. 1931), (Adi, 1998), (Nik
Hassan, 1998), (Nik Hassan, 2009),
(Jamaluddin, 2009), (Zuliskandar, et al.,
2012), (Zuliskandar, et al., 2013),
(Zuliskandar, et al., 2014)

Lenggong, Perak.
(Zuraina, 2003),
Malaysia, 2013)

(World


heritage
Malacca.
(World heritage Malaysia, 2013)




4.
5.
Archaeological sites with the discovery of
temples, Buddhist-Hindu statues, ceramics,
beads, stone tools, pillar bases, and so on
Consists of Sungai Mas, Pengkalan Bujang, and
a number of other sites
The latest site discovered was the Sungai Batu
complex
Archaeological discoveries such as Perak Man
skeleton, stone tools, metal tools, etc.
Natural phenomenon of attractive limestone
caves
Discovery of bastion city which is part of the
forts built by the Portuguese
Remnants of buildings, forts, and cities built by
the Dutch
The port and administrative centre of Malacca
sultanate
Niah Cave, Mulu Cave, Sarawak.
(Harrison, 1959), (Harrison, 1967), (Nik
Hassan, 1998), (Zuraina, 2003),
(World heritage Malaysia, 2013)


Archaeological discovery of early human
skeleton, boat, stone tools, etc.
Natural phenomenon and interesting karst
topography
Bukit Tengkorak, Mansuli, Sabah.
(Harrison & Harrison, 1971), (Zuraina,
2003), (World heritage Malaysia, 2013)

Prehistoric archaeological site in Sabah
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In addition to the sites listed in the table above, there are still many other heritage sites
scattered across the country. The scattered locations of the heritage sites are due to the hilly
geographical features and the natural landscape. This situation has made a communication
system difficult and, at the same time, it makes it difficult to develop the sites.
Attraction of the Heritage Sites
Because of the growth in the tourism sector and the potential to increase national income, the
government had to take several initiatives. This is because, in order to successfully generate
national income, serious attention must be given by the government to this sector because of
its ability to involve all levels and classes of people. Accordingly, in the 9th Malaysia Plan (RMK9), a total of RM1.8 billion was allocated to the tourism sector to upgrade infrastructure,
provide tourism facilities, and to develop more tourism products and innovative services
(Fatimah, H. & Fauziah, C.L. 2007).
Indirectly, the sites that are selected or that are considered as meeting the criteria will
be upgraded to make them more convenient and attractive for tourists to visit. For instance,
the government will establish a communication system and infrastructural facilities which will
allow tourists to visit the sites easily in a fast and user-friendly manner. Among these facilities
are roads, parking facilities, public phones, Internet/Wi-Fi, information centres, exhibition
galleries, public toilets, recreational facilities, food stalls, crafts, hotels, homestays,
guesthouses, car rental, tour guides, information signboards, and so on. This is because the
success of the archaeotourism sector in a country is determined by many factors that are
closely related to each other. Therefore, the authorities should provide various infrastructural
facilities in order to attract tourists. Among other things, this is closely linked to the following
elements:
a) The uniqueness of the site
The term “uniqueness” is subjective, but the measure of uniqueness is often associated
with an element of being impressed or pleased. Uniqueness is expressed in the sense of
pleasure when faced by beauty, being mesmerised by extraordinary natural beauty,
having the nostalgia of the past evoked, becoming associated with the cultural elements
of ancestors, or the history of a location. It is more special if the heritage site is located
near or within an area (complex) that allows tourists to visit easily and quickly. For
instance, the uniqueness of the Lembah Bujang/Bujang Valley which comprises of the
remains of temples, religious statues, and the discovery of the remains of archaeological
artefacts were exhibited in the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum. Some
monumental remains of temples such as Candi Bukit Pendiat, Candi Bendang Dalam,
Candi Bukit Pahat, and Candi Pengkalan Bujang were also found in the area surrounding
Bujang Valley which added to the uniqueness of this site. The uniqueness of the Bujang
Valley is also supported by the recent discovery of the Sungai Batu complex by the
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) research group. Tourists or researchers who want to
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understand certain information particularly related to historical heritage sites will
typically choose a site that still retains its original features.
b) Infrastructure
Transportation networks must be prepared and should be able to provide rapid and high
quality services. In addition, access or infrastructure has to be supported by facilities for
other needs. For example, facilities such as parking areas, public phones, taxis (or boat
rental for a site that needs river transport), information centres, toilets, information
signboards and so on. The existence of recreational facilities and playgrounds in the area
close to the heritage sites is an advantage. If the heritage sites are located relatively far
from one another, a complete infrastructure needs to be provided to facilitate tourists,
such as good resting or waiting areas.
c) Safety
The failure of the authorities to provide a safe and conducive environment at a site will
affect tourist arrivals. Snatch theft, extortion, fraud, and life-threatening criminal
elements need to be curbed by the authorities so these crimes do not happen in the
heritage sites. Apart from that, famous and frequently visited heritage sites are also
bothered by the presence of hawkers, fund-raisers, and beggars, whether they are
children or adults. Therefore, the authorities need to control these problems so that the
comfort of the tourists is prioritised. An example of good heritage site management in
Indonesia would be Candi Borobudur and Candi Prambanan. The environment of the
heritage site complex is controlled to ensure that the tourists feel that their safety is
assured.
d) Food and Beverages
Normally, famous tourist attractions provide the facilities for visitors to get food and
drink. It is hard to control the price rate and any difficulty in getting food and drink is
very bad for the tourism industry. At some famous heritage sites, these facilities are
provided. However, in relatively isolated sites that are far from towns and cities, these
facilities are usually provided by small business owners or hawkers. For some famous
sites, there are tour packages that include the cost of food and drink. The package is
typically geared more towards introducing the traditional local food as a tourist
attraction. Besides being able to taste the traditional food, tourists also have the
opportunity to learn how to cook, to find out about the ingredients used, the traditions
and processes in the production of the traditional food of a particular ethnic group or
community.
e) Accommodation
Availability of accommodation is a major factor in making locations popular with
visitors. Accommodation can be either in the form of hotels, homestays, guesthouses, or
rental rooms that are suitable. It is better if the location of the accommodation is
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arranged or placed within a complex to make it easy for the tourists to spend the night if
necessary. In addition, this also makes it easier for the authorities if they wish to provide
a form of entertainment such as dancing and singing traditional songs, cultural
performances such as wayang kulit, menora, dikir barat, and others. Tourists also have
the opportunity to purchase craft items such as batik, rattan, or bamboo furniture,
beads, accessories, and so on.
f) Access to information
Apart from the access to information obtained from books, newspapers, radio or TV,
recent developments also found that the attractiveness of a location is also associated
with the Wi-Fi or Internet facilities. Therefore, the authorities should provide access to
information facilities in order to attract tourists.
Conclusion
Even though archaeotourism is relatively new in Malaysia, recent development has shown
overwhelming changes. The archaeotourism sector in Malaysia will grow more easily if the
government plays an active role by providing various facilities in the vicinity of the heritage
sites. In addition, a holistic collaboration involving multiple agencies from the central
government, state government, private sector, and individuals is crucial in achieving the
objective of empowering archaeotourism in Malaysia.
It is undeniable that the uniqueness of the heritage sites is very important in attracting
tourists. However, tourists’ attraction to a heritage site destination is also influenced by a
number of other aspects. Among these aspects are the existence of infrastructure, a safe and
conducive atmosphere, convenient food and drink, accommodation, and access to information.
Acknowledgement
This research was carried out with the assistance of the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme
(FRGS) (2014-0101-106-02). The authors wish to express their gratitude to Minister of Higher
Education (MOHE) and UPSI who provided the research fund and the parties involved in this
research.
Corresponding Author
Adnan Jusoh, PhD
Department of History
Faculty of Human Sciences
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
35900 Tanjung Malim, Perak, MALAYSIA.
E-mail: adnan.jusoh@fsk.upsi.edu.my
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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
2017, Vol. 7, No. 4
ISSN: 2222-6990
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